brownie cake pops
Make delicious brownie cake pops chocolatey, bite-sized treats perfect for parties or gifts. Easy recipe with pro tips and fun variations. Try it today!
Ingredients
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 box of brownie mix or your favorite homemade brownie recipe
- Ingredients listed on the brownie mix box typically eggs, oil, and water
For Binding the Cake Pops:
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened (or frosting of your choice)
For Coating and Decorating:
- 2 cups chocolate candy melts milk, dark, or white chocolate
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or shortening optional, for smoother melting
- Sprinkles crushed nuts, or other toppings (for decoration)
Additional Tools:
- Lollipop sticks
- Styrofoam block or cake pop stand for drying
- Parchment paper or wax paper
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Baking sheet
Optional Variations:
- Peanut butter: Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the brownie mixture for a nutty twist.
- Mint extract: Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of mint extract for a refreshing flavor.
- Colored candy melts: Use vibrant colors for themed occasions like birthdays or holidays.
Why These Ingredients Work:
- Brownie Mix: Using a boxed mix saves time but homemade brownies work just as well for a richer flavor.
- Cream Cheese: This binds the brownie crumbs together adding a subtle tanginess and creamy texture.
- Candy Melts: They melt smoothly and harden quickly making them perfect for coating cake pops.
- Sprinkles and Toppings: These add a fun colorful finish that makes the pops visually appealing.
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Brownies
- Preheat your oven according to the instructions on the brownie mix box (usually 350°F or 175°C).
- Prepare the brownie batter as directed on the box or using your homemade recipe.
- Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (about 25-30 minutes).
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
Step 2: Crumble the Brownies
- Once cooled, transfer the brownies to a large bowl.
- Use your hands or a fork to crumble the brownies into fine, even crumbs. Ensure there are no large chunks.
Step 3: Bind the Crumbs
- Add the softened cream cheese (or frosting) to the brownie crumbs.
- Mix thoroughly until the mixture holds together when pressed. It should feel like a dough but still be moist and fudgy.
Step 4: Shape the Cake Pops
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the mixture into equal-sized balls (about 1-1.5 inches in diameter).
- Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, round balls.
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Insert a lollipop stick into each ball, pushing it about halfway through.
- Chill the cake pops in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes or in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm them up.
Step 5: Melt the Chocolate
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the candy melts and coconut oil (if using).
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
Step 6: Coat the Cake Pops
- Remove the cake pops from the refrigerator or freezer.
- Dip each cake pop into the melted chocolate, swirling gently to coat evenly. Allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl.
- While the chocolate is still wet, add sprinkles or other toppings.
- Place the coated cake pops upright in a styrofoam block or cake pop stand to dry.
Step 7: Let Them Set
- Allow the chocolate coating to harden completely at room temperature (about 15-20 minutes).
- If you’re in a hurry, you can place them in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes to speed up the process.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the chocolate has set, your brownie cake pops are ready to serve!
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150
-
Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 60mg
-
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 2g